The University of Utah's MBA Online Guide

THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH’S

MBA ONLINE

UTAH’S MBA ONLINE

The University of Utah is proud to have one of the best online MBA programs in the United States. Ranked in the top 15 programs in the world, faculty and staff pride themselves on creating opportunities for students to succeed and find their way toward their futures. With endless resources and unique chances to network with peers, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at the University of Utah. Read through this guide to learn about the countless opportunities Utah’s MBA Online has to offer.

CLASS FORMAT

In the MBA Online program, providing classes tailored to meet your needs is our top priority. Unlike other universities, where your lectures are just recorded from the back of a classroom or you’re required to attend a live lecture via Zoom, the University of Utah has a dedicated team of instructional designers who film and edit video lecture content until it’s perfect. You can view your lectures at any time, with none being live. However, if you prefer a live learning option, there are weekly webinars you’re encouraged to attend, where a professor will go over the learning from that week with you and your peers.

Additionally, the professors who teach online classes are not adjuncts; they are full-time, tenured faculty passionate about teaching through digital spaces. They are well-versed in holding online classes and understand the difficulties you might face as an online student. During your time in the program, your professors and administrative staff members work hard to ensure you don’t feel cut off from the rest of your cohort.

“The professors are very responsive. They make it their mission to ensure you complete their class, having learned the concepts inside out. They encourage discussion and debate and answer questions during their live lectures or via email. They also encourage questions and discussions during “office hours,” a Zoom room that the professor and/or their teaching assistants (TAs) host as an open house for our class on weekends or weekdays, and students come in and ask questions. They record and post all live webinars, lectures, and office hours. They also offer one-on-one meetings with themselves and/or their TAs if you have further doubts. The program advisors are very flexible, honest, and supportive, helping you navigate the course load and any areas where you need support.”

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Josceline Mascarenhas

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITES

One of the most influential parts of the Utah MBA Online program is the opportunity to network with those in and outside your cohort. Cultivating relationships is a priority at the University of Utah. As a student in the program, you’ll have plenty of chances to connect with peers and faculty, forming a strong network to aid you in future job searches. And the best part? You can network while you’re sitting on your couch.

Weekly Webinars

Professors host webinars for MBA Online students every week; while the webinar is not required, attending is a great way to network with your peers. The webinar leader will review principles learned that week and answer questions about the work involved. If you’re confused about a topic or want to delve deeper into what you’re learning, the weekly webinar is a great way to do it.

Online Events

Networking is key to landing your dream job post-graduation. At least once per term, the MBA Online team hosts a virtual networking event where you can benefit from conversations with your peers. The David Eccles School of Business also hosts a myriad of guest speaker events, allowing you to join online and chat with peers in the comments. If you’re not available for the livestream, each event is recorded and available to watch later.

In-Class Communication

Our online professors are tenured and able to give their full focus and attention to you. As such, classes are often accompanied by opportunities to connect with your classmates. Group projects require full participation from every team member. Often, professors set up Slack channels or other forms of communication to enable students to make genuine friendships.

Residency

If in-person networking is your preference, the MBA Online program offers multiple in-person events as well. Every summer, a residency weekend is hosted on campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. This three-day event allows you to meet your cohort and professors in person, all while earning 1.5 credits in an amazingly short time!

Residency is not required, but it is highly beneficial, and all students are encouraged to attend. The costs of lodging, meals, and classroom materials are all included in your tuition. Residency presents a chance to network with your classmates in a new way and immerse yourself in learning for a brief time.

“I met a group of people there (at the residency) that have become trusted friends and advisors. I began as an out-of-state member of the cohort, so I really enjoyed residency and connecting there, and I have leveraged that into some great friendships now.”

- Zach Rial

International Trip

Those who want to lead in today’s business world need a nuanced understanding of foreign and domestic business practices. You can gain this knowledge hands-on by taking the International Trip Elective course through the MBA Online program. While it is not required, the class offers unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else; it ends with a weeklong trip to another country. On this trip, you will visit large global companies and small local businesses. Past destinations for international trips have included Johannesburg, South Africa; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; Seoul, South Korea; Beijing and Tianjin, China; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to network with your classmates and peers on a highly personal level.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT SERVICES

As you pursue your MBA, you’re provided a career coach who will mentor you as you reach new heights in your work pursuits. Career coaches are passionate about helping you find the perfect position to match your skills. You can start working with a career coach once your deposit for the program is paid. No matter what career goals you have, your career coach will be there to help determine the right coaching path(s) for you:

Professional Development

Enhance your professional skills and develop the key business competencies that are critical to accomplishing your goals.

Career Advancement

Gain an internal promotion and salary increase by completing and implementing an internal networking and research plan.

Job Search

Land a new position at a new employer with a salary increase after updating your marketing tools, creating a job search plan, networking, completing interview preparation, and negotiating job offers.

Entrepreneurship

Launch a business after determining entrepreneurship is right for you. Develop a plan and access University of Utah entrepreneurship resources.

Career Advancement Resources:

• One-on-one executive career coach

• e-Learning platform with assessments, short skill development videos, interview simulation, webinars, and more

• Career advancement and entrepreneurship speakers

• Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute’s expert advice, business plan resources, funding competitions, investor pitches, etc.

PROGRAM LOGISTICS

Flexibility With Your Schedule

Despite school, life goes on. The University of Utah recognizes this and wants to make your educational experience as seamless as possible. Between classes available on-demand and the ability to adjust your workload each semester according to your other responsibilities, earning an MBA at your own pace has never been simpler. Additionally, you can choose to take some or all your classes in person if your circumstances change to make such an option more available to you. If you need to take a leave of absence to fulfill a military or work commitment, you can take up to one year off. The entire program can be extended to take up to four years in total.

Scholarships

The University of Utah offers a wide variety of scholarships. To qualify, your application must be submitted by the date of the program application’s final deadline. The last day to submit your application for consideration in the program is also the last day you can submit your scholarship application. Regardless of your confidence in achieving a scholarship, make sure you apply. You never know how much you may be awarded, and even a small scholarship can take immense pressure off during your time as a student. For more information on MBA Online scholarship offerings, click here

Application Process

The application process for Utah’s MBA Online program is smooth and simple. If you have difficulty applying, you can contact a member of our administrative staff to help you. Additionally, applying for Utah’s MBA Online program is made fairer and more equitable by the availability of GMAT and GRE waivers. If you have the necessary experience outside of a standardized test to qualify for the program, a waiver can allow you to skip the test. For information on whether you qualify for a waiver, schedule a one-on-one with a member of our administrative staff